tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3128480823791111462019-04-25T08:28:34.582-07:00Mission Meadows SoaperyLocally made, small batch, handcrafted soaps using readily available, ethically sourced ingredients. We make them, we use them, we love them.Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-40883143906393226132019-04-24T14:22:00.001-07:002019-04-25T08:28:34.497-07:00Thank Goodness for Time OffI'm off work this week for some much needed down time. It's a great opportunity to get things organized for the start of our market season. I have spent time this week taking a full inventory of what I have available, what I need to make, what needs to be labeled and organizing my Square storefront.<br /><br />I've spent time making soap and planning soapy products. I'm waiting for a few ingredients to show up so other products can be made. I've pampered myself and I've enjoyed the sunshine in a way that I can't when I'm at work.<br /><br />First, and foremost, soap has been made. Granted, I've only made two batches this week but, first, the week isn't over yet, and second, I really don't need that much soap for now. What I'm making now won't be ready for sale for at least a month (one of them).<br /><br />I wasn't going to make it but the Poop emoji soap really did sell well last year. I sold out at the Christmas market and decided then that I wasn't going to make any more. Now that market season is about to start, however, I decided that maybe I should make a batch or two for this year's markets.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdvyLBp20WA/XMDLPGCJNuI/AAAAAAAADcY/HuiSBlXdD8YXQi1G71N83S7HCC0iuFMLACLcBGAs/s1600/20190421_102759_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdvyLBp20WA/XMDLPGCJNuI/AAAAAAAADcY/HuiSBlXdD8YXQi1G71N83S7HCC0iuFMLACLcBGAs/s320/20190421_102759_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ps87GqNyTU/WpM65sWyeSI/AAAAAAAADOs/6gfHkQJK7lUMg3pgWQCnZqVrvcPJ9qflgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ps87GqNyTU/WpM65sWyeSI/AAAAAAAADOs/6gfHkQJK7lUMg3pgWQCnZqVrvcPJ9qflgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1660.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>As I said, for some reason it always sells. I guess it's the snicker factor; everyone snickers when they see it. They're almost afraid to touch it but fascinated to find that it smells like Chocolate Fudge. It makes me giggle every time I watch people's reaction.<br /><br />Another soap that sells well for me just happens to be one of our favourite soaps and I like to have in stock at all times. Salt soap is a mild soap; washing with it is like washing with salt water. It's gentle enough that I use it on my face almost daily (I have to try other products, too.... I don't test on animals, I test on me!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwPlsh4aTyQ/XMDMVh4BdeI/AAAAAAAADcg/nthEqorC1o8ZZd7qNx9Mz9IZvLk3CLWvwCLcBGAs/s1600/20190424_103042_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwPlsh4aTyQ/XMDMVh4BdeI/AAAAAAAADcg/nthEqorC1o8ZZd7qNx9Mz9IZvLk3CLWvwCLcBGAs/s320/20190424_103042_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I love these bar molds. I used to make this soap in a variety of sizes and shapes, including flowers but I like these shapes better. They fit nicely in the hands. The bars come in at just under 3 oz, so they're a nice size and, this way, they look very similar.<br /><br />Yesterday, I made a batch of Fizzing Bath Melts, made with cocoa butter, citric acid, and baking soda. When added to your bath water, the cocoa butter melts, creating a skin-soothing bath. They're also made with fragrance oil, this time Lavender &amp; Basil fragrance oil. I love making these using a moon cake press; it's so easy and they're so pretty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMAC4gXSP_c/XMDRpRdA0gI/AAAAAAAADcs/EhgEWOSD9yMxEBLgBVvXDVq2yCsCsUzgACLcBGAs/s1600/20190423_124338_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMAC4gXSP_c/XMDRpRdA0gI/AAAAAAAADcs/EhgEWOSD9yMxEBLgBVvXDVq2yCsCsUzgACLcBGAs/s320/20190423_124338_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This past weekend, I played with another product, something totally different.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mopwk0hSa0I/XMDRz43K0vI/AAAAAAAADc0/OVauP-fH_0QvVYT_H0GtYS1A7agG87kOQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190420_092349_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mopwk0hSa0I/XMDRz43K0vI/AAAAAAAADc0/OVauP-fH_0QvVYT_H0GtYS1A7agG87kOQCLcBGAs/s320/20190420_092349_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>They look edible don't they? Like strawberry marshmallows, right? Well, appearances are deceiving in this case. These are Marshmallow Body Wash Cubes; yes, they're soap! They look like marshmallows, they feel like marshmallows. You use them to wash yourself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQfWEf1izsc/XMDRz1y5CAI/AAAAAAAADc8/MhmRD1xjwOE0tPzxPfEi2oGrQmaZcwB7QCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190421_102813_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQfWEf1izsc/XMDRz1y5CAI/AAAAAAAADc8/MhmRD1xjwOE0tPzxPfEi2oGrQmaZcwB7QCEwYBhgL/s320/20190421_102813_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The recipe made a few more than I had anticipated. I'm thinking of bagging about four to a bag and adding a tag just to see how, or if, they will sell. They smell edible; they look edible. I'll definitely have to add a warning tag!<br /><br />Today's only Wednesday; I still have a few days off. In that time, I'll be shrink wrapping and labeling soap; I'll be making and packaging other products, including shampoo bars and conditioner bars. I'll also be making sure I take time to enjoy the beautiful spring weather we're having. I'm not sure I'll be ready to go back to work next Monday; I'm enjoying my time off far too much.Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-26380122826433891052019-04-06T10:40:00.000-07:002019-04-06T10:40:49.257-07:00I Love This Stuff!I'm calling it Buttercream Body Frosting and it looks like buttercream frosting. It is a beautiful bath product. It's gentle and it foams like crazy.<br /><br />It starts with a base that looks like (ew) lard or shortening and it whips up into this gorgeous, light, creamy foam cleanser.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xq5V46I1JRI/XKjiEVUoGeI/AAAAAAAADbs/qDPU-Gl_qks4rLk6hPVIRk0VCfhoUnwswCLcBGAs/s1600/20190406_084725_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xq5V46I1JRI/XKjiEVUoGeI/AAAAAAAADbs/qDPU-Gl_qks4rLk6hPVIRk0VCfhoUnwswCLcBGAs/s320/20190406_084725_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Cooking up the base. It all comes together quickly. Once everything is dissolved and looks like a smooth lotion, it's time to let it cool before adding the preservative.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7cIE5lfFaY/XKjiEd34x1I/AAAAAAAADb4/QLyIZGkpYewP4Mh-f48iju7lCORo_X3rQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190406_102247_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7cIE5lfFaY/XKjiEd34x1I/AAAAAAAADb4/QLyIZGkpYewP4Mh-f48iju7lCORo_X3rQCEwYBhgL/s320/20190406_102247_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>One kilogram of beautiful base. It does look like lard, though, doesn't it? At this point, it needs to cool and thicken up. It will be ready for whipping up by tonight or tomorrow. Once whipped, here's how it looks...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeZw9418DWU/XKjiEa6mCDI/AAAAAAAADcA/N-HgD9YBI-Ai-jq2L2fZ-HAOmv8gT32kgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190330_085707_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeZw9418DWU/XKjiEa6mCDI/AAAAAAAADcA/N-HgD9YBI-Ai-jq2L2fZ-HAOmv8gT32kgCEwYBhgL/s320/20190330_085707_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The one on the left is scented with Mango Sorbet and smells positively edible. So yummy. The one on the left is scented with Karma, a Lush duplicate that has become one of my favourite fragrances.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCq5N98YJ_E/XKjiFelqymI/AAAAAAAADb8/nKjt_Y4gWqctsXjECVcicKVqjqaxk6PmwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190406_102413_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCq5N98YJ_E/XKjiFelqymI/AAAAAAAADb8/nKjt_Y4gWqctsXjECVcicKVqjqaxk6PmwCEwYBhgL/s320/20190406_102413_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cSYlyQdNzM/XKjiFpMPDJI/AAAAAAAADcA/wJ63SF0nYIksJdeWaB39ETT2uapRWClVwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190406_102504_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cSYlyQdNzM/XKjiFpMPDJI/AAAAAAAADcA/wJ63SF0nYIksJdeWaB39ETT2uapRWClVwCEwYBhgL/s320/20190406_102504_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Just a little scoop lathers up like crazy. I'd probably use a touch more if I was washing myself but I wanted to show you just how well it lathers. (I need a new bath puff; this one's falling apart.)<br /><br />This really is a gentle cleanser, with a pH of about 5-5.5 and is so luxurious. It isn't just for your body either. It can, in a pinch, be used as a shampoo, facial cleanser, shave cream, or a base for a sugar scrub. Fun stuff!<br /><br />Both fragrances (and maybe others) will be available at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eastkelownamarket/" target="_blank">East Kelowna Sunday Artisan Market</a>, starting up May 5.Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-79041510078208204332019-04-02T09:14:00.000-07:002019-04-02T09:14:29.582-07:00Speaking of HairOne question I received over and over at last year's market was, "Do you make shampoo bars?" I explained to those asking that the soap I make is a lye based soap and it really isn't the right PH for hair. In time, hair will be more damaged by a lye based soap than it will using shampoo especially formulated for hair. (That is, unless you wash and rinse it correctly and most people don't.)<br /><br />Well, having said all that, I'm now starting to make shampoo and conditioner bars. The recipe I'm using is not lye based; it's a mild surfactant based shampoo (synthetic detergent) and oils that are good for hair. I've been using it for over a month now and I'm really happy with it. My daughter, granddaughter, and one of my nieces have been testing it as well and all reports have been very positive.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmRsMXQdCQs/XJ-NSr4e5NI/AAAAAAAADa8/xL5by9s-tc097BlZc0FuRfGrpQ4Ny_mtwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190328_184120_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmRsMXQdCQs/XJ-NSr4e5NI/AAAAAAAADa8/xL5by9s-tc097BlZc0FuRfGrpQ4Ny_mtwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190328_184120_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The front bar, with the 4-leaf clover is the shampoo bar. I scented this small batch (only 5 bars) with Pink Grapefruit. We all love the scent and we love how soft and clean it leaves our hair. My hair is quite dry, and quite fine (but there's a lot of it, according to every single hairdresser I've ever gone to) so I do need the conditioner; I'm finding the combination is perfect for me.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etTdG6Da-pE/XKOJLvlIN1I/AAAAAAAADbU/I9pHsN0HWcYs9oc3ukgMOze1mkyyyXBpgCLcBGAs/s1600/20190402_090646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etTdG6Da-pE/XKOJLvlIN1I/AAAAAAAADbU/I9pHsN0HWcYs9oc3ukgMOze1mkyyyXBpgCLcBGAs/s320/20190402_090646.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 days after my last washing and it still doesn't feel like it needs it</td></tr></tbody></table>I'll be making more this weekend and will be offering it for sale at this years markets, along with a few other new to me products. Keeping watching this spot for updates and news.Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-47549065243042223452019-03-28T08:00:00.000-07:002019-03-28T10:07:03.051-07:00I Love Bath TimeSeriously, I love my baths. I don't love my bathtub but I love baths. When we first moved to Kelowna, the house we rented had an amazing tub in the master suite. I couldn't even touch the end of the tub with my toes without almost submerging myself and, when filled, the water came all the way up to my chin. I still miss that tub.<br /><br />One of the things I enjoy about bath time is the number of things that make it so relaxing. I like bubble baths but they're not my favourite. Bath melts, however, that's another thing. When you drop one into your bath water, they slowly start to fizz, releasing all that skin loving cocoa butter goodness and the fragrance. The addition of Polysorbate 80 helps to keep the oils in the water and not on the sides of your tub. And, when you're done, your skin feels so smooth and moisturized.<br /><br />This past weekend, I made a batch of lavender bath melts. I overfilled the molds and ended up with a bit of an oily mess. I put them in the freezer and didn't realize that the lid of the freezer hit the mold. Big sigh!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXHLWx4n5Yg/XJhfv270l2I/AAAAAAAADak/8U1-Or35EQsVCGrXfGoeI5cgZSu2axxZgCLcBGAs/s1600/20190323_101400_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXHLWx4n5Yg/XJhfv270l2I/AAAAAAAADak/8U1-Or35EQsVCGrXfGoeI5cgZSu2axxZgCLcBGAs/s320/20190323_101400_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I was not very happy. However, once they solidified, they were okay. The three at the top are definitely only for me (which is just fine!). These are lavender scented, perfect for a night time bath. I sprinkled them with gold jojoba beads and a few lavender flowers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjA3nypSj0g/XJhfv3qBXPI/AAAAAAAADao/R1pPjCaJLCsRhyU2jusNGKUQX9PfQoSHwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190323_130650_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjA3nypSj0g/XJhfv3qBXPI/AAAAAAAADao/R1pPjCaJLCsRhyU2jusNGKUQX9PfQoSHwCEwYBhgL/s320/20190323_130650_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>On Sunday, I made another batch and made sure not to overfill the molds. This time, I coloured them orange and purple and scented them with Karma, a Lush duplicate, one of my personal favourites. A dusting of gold glitter will be fun in the tub, I'm sure, but a bit of glitter never hurts, right?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rWkxu6JhHU/XJhfv7C2R-I/AAAAAAAADas/oOIqd48pvf4f68Tv-k69WjB76c-zGcaQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190324_151733_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rWkxu6JhHU/XJhfv7C2R-I/AAAAAAAADas/oOIqd48pvf4f68Tv-k69WjB76c-zGcaQwCEwYBhgL/s320/20190324_151733_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Now, if only I could get the landlord to install a REAL bathtub!Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-62231845986052259962019-03-24T10:53:00.000-07:002019-03-24T10:53:06.911-07:00Clean Those Dishes!This blog has been ignored for far too long, hasn't it? It almost seems that I haven't been doing anything soapy since some time last year. That is far from the truth. In fact, I've been experimenting with some new products. Soap has been made, plans have been formed, and ideas explored.<br /><br />One new product that will be added this year is a solid dish washing paste. This stuff is amazing! Everyone, even people with a dishwasher, has things that need to be hand washed. A swipe of this paste on a sponge has enough power to clean a sink full of dishes. And it smells so clean and fresh, very citrus-y. It's made with d-Limonene, a citrus derived cleanser, which is a fantastic grease cutter<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msakGCNIk6w/XJfBYdpL8tI/AAAAAAAADaM/NzyUHdUJNJ4KKN-q9Yds7vsdajZOm2RiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190324_103510_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msakGCNIk6w/XJfBYdpL8tI/AAAAAAAADaM/NzyUHdUJNJ4KKN-q9Yds7vsdajZOm2RiwCEwYBhgL/s320/20190324_103510_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFnv6U-lHlo/XJfBYZbUS0I/AAAAAAAADaM/_O3G_aHld14Lh-wJMvcVw5XjBctoMbeVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190324_103526_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFnv6U-lHlo/XJfBYZbUS0I/AAAAAAAADaM/_O3G_aHld14Lh-wJMvcVw5XjBctoMbeVQCEwYBhgL/s320/20190324_103526_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a swipe goes a long, long way.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yXSibicN5Q/XJfBZR5uHLI/AAAAAAAADaU/yyReU3ckaV80YUOBDL8Clv2Lon_rv89hQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190324_103555_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yXSibicN5Q/XJfBZR5uHLI/AAAAAAAADaU/yyReU3ckaV80YUOBDL8Clv2Lon_rv89hQCEwYBhgL/s320/20190324_103555_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMWAPFaoNVs/XJfBZqgexJI/AAAAAAAADaQ/M76ldDk6r8EuqLEexLBmmGF4w4OSVoHqwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190324_103647_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMWAPFaoNVs/XJfBZqgexJI/AAAAAAAADaQ/M76ldDk6r8EuqLEexLBmmGF4w4OSVoHqwCEwYBhgL/s320/20190324_103647_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a lot of cleaning power in that one swipe.</td></tr></tbody></table>There's only one downside to adding this product to my line up -- since a little goes a long way, whoever buys it won't need to buy it again very soon. I made my tub of this paste two weeks ago and I've barely made a dent in it even though I use it on a daily basis.<br /><br />By the way, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eastkelownamarket/" target="_blank">East Kelowna Sunday Artisan Market</a> starts up again on Sunday, May 5. I'll be there. Will you?Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-69240465603240268522018-08-17T08:37:00.000-07:002018-08-17T08:37:16.036-07:00A Love Affair with LemongrassI've had an entire week off and almost nothing has gone according to plan, not that that's a bad thing. I always try to take the second week of August off as my way of celebrating my birthday. In the past, we've taken that week as our road trip week; that didn't happen this year. It ended up being ME time. I was pampered and spoiled and have done pretty much whatever I've wanted. And now, it's Friday.<br /><br />I did make one batch of soap this week and, in reading through recent blog posts, managed to copy a scent combination I've already done. The combination of Green Tea fragrance oil and Lemongrass essential oil has, apparently, become a favourite. I love the freshness of the lemongrass in combination with the lightness of the Green Tea.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITXvhpLD31Y/W3bnuFl8BvI/AAAAAAAADWw/gYmqKSUR20s4_2kGiIUsHq5Y77udO7s4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180815_114544_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITXvhpLD31Y/W3bnuFl8BvI/AAAAAAAADWw/gYmqKSUR20s4_2kGiIUsHq5Y77udO7s4ACEwYBhgL/s320/20180815_114544_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The swirl is a hanger swirl and almost a Secret Swirl; the white and the green were poured at the same time; when the mold was about half full, I poured the pink down the center, then continued in the same manner. I'm very happy with how it turned out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8v7NZr8tDw/W3bnuB-yEWI/AAAAAAAADWo/YpxhY6oV5l8yzMF60sB--xGzA82Wkb6OACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180816_074259_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8v7NZr8tDw/W3bnuB-yEWI/AAAAAAAADWo/YpxhY6oV5l8yzMF60sB--xGzA82Wkb6OACEwYBhgL/s320/20180816_074259_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If I can manage to create a true Christmas Green and a Christmas Red, I might try something like this as a "Christmas-y" soap.<br /><br />Years ago, I used to really enjoy making my own bath products. Honestly, I still do. Wanting some diversity on my market table, I'm slowly getting back to making bath products. I've been told that bath bombs haven't really been a big seller at the market but I'm willing to give it a try. I've been using Moon Cake presses to make some really pretty bath items.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuMuzzhkbyw/W3bp3y9NcvI/AAAAAAAADXA/97nWIdVizNkgokgsZAa4rvyWk-QtToVdQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180811_090442_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuMuzzhkbyw/W3bp3y9NcvI/AAAAAAAADXA/97nWIdVizNkgokgsZAa4rvyWk-QtToVdQCLcBGAs/s320/20180811_090442_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Keeping with the theme of "lemongrass", these are scented, again, with Green Tea and Lemongrass. They also include a packet of Matcha green tea powder. Bath bombs can be challenging. If they have too much moisture, they'll start to fizz and you'll be left with a mess. If they're too dry, details from the press will be lost. There's a fine line and finding it isn't always easy... or successful. This batch was a touch on the moist side and I was afraid they'd activate. Thankfully, they puffed up a bit but stabilized quickly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVY9JpRmWHw/W3bnuJrf2kI/AAAAAAAADW4/XzAptfwh2mEteiDtCPRpgodUXMgqBdeKACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180816_075103_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVY9JpRmWHw/W3bnuJrf2kI/AAAAAAAADW4/XzAptfwh2mEteiDtCPRpgodUXMgqBdeKACEwYBhgL/s320/20180816_075103_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Each "bomb" is about 50 grams. They fizz but not as explosively as some do. It's more of a slow, satisfying fizzing. Next time I make these, I'll use more colour, in layers, to see how the colour plays out in the tub.<br /><br />Playing with the moon cake presses really is fun. Each press comes with 4-5 plates and you can swap them out at any point. They're great for bath products like Shower Steamers, Bath Bombs, Foaming Bath Melts, lotion bars... all kinds of things. The shower steamers have already proven quite popular at the market.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enrrpxDr8Es/W3bqlS5LXGI/AAAAAAAADXY/oNNQQVJ-5pk4Lu-dnprRghzo5y2aV80QQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180808_171017_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enrrpxDr8Es/W3bqlS5LXGI/AAAAAAAADXY/oNNQQVJ-5pk4Lu-dnprRghzo5y2aV80QQCLcBGAs/s320/20180808_171017_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower steamers - scented with Menthol (white ones) and Citrus Menthol (creamy ones)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s9GwEuGAdsI/W3bqgz1VpJI/AAAAAAAADXc/rmKZg_JeVmAR4-z-EYiGSP59iA_y_f0uACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180804_170902_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s9GwEuGAdsI/W3bqgz1VpJI/AAAAAAAADXc/rmKZg_JeVmAR4-z-EYiGSP59iA_y_f0uACEwYBhgL/s320/20180804_170902_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foaming Bath Melts - a little like a bath bomb but made with skin-loving oils that turn your bath water into silk</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCWWezHtA3A/W3bqhF0Z_pI/AAAAAAAADXg/8selM61KaJkJW0eMWIYtB5fP-isQQz7oACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180804_161531_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCWWezHtA3A/W3bqhF0Z_pI/AAAAAAAADXg/8selM61KaJkJW0eMWIYtB5fP-isQQz7oACEwYBhgL/s320/20180804_161531_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epsom Salt bars - all the benefits of an epsom salt bath with colour and scent</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CbCzHDdsx24/W3bqgx4A-RI/AAAAAAAADXo/gsiWtKu53kUwfgJV9cGZM2xEeLTS0Q1RQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180805_082412_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CbCzHDdsx24/W3bqgx4A-RI/AAAAAAAADXo/gsiWtKu53kUwfgJV9cGZM2xEeLTS0Q1RQCEwYBhgL/s320/20180805_082412_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath Bombs</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypT2fkdNbig/W3bqhztpJeI/AAAAAAAADXk/N7a-pGfWK_oIdk9xNTqEf2iZwY5lW6oogCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180806_165512_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypT2fkdNbig/W3bqhztpJeI/AAAAAAAADXk/N7a-pGfWK_oIdk9xNTqEf2iZwY5lW6oogCEwYBhgL/s320/20180806_165512_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bath bombs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-75223645939052931942018-06-30T10:09:00.004-07:002018-06-30T10:09:43.666-07:00Green Tea and LemongrassThere are those rare times when everything falls into place, just as you'd hoped and planned. It doesn't always happen but when it does, it's exciting. For me, it happened yesterday.<br /><br />The Green Tea fragrance oil is such a lovely, gentle scent that I thought would work well with Lemongrass essential oil. Once I decided on my combination, I mulled over the design in my mind. It had to be green. And white. With an accent colour of some sort. Then, I knew just what I wanted to do... a pencil line swirl. I could see it in my mind's eye.<br /><br />The recipe, a low coconut recipe, came together beautifully; I had just the right texture to do all the swirling I wanted. For my pencil line, I used Aztec Gold mica, an almost coppery-looking mica that perfectly accentuated the green in the batter.<br /><br />I am so pleased with this soap. I love the scent. I love the colour, I love the swirl. I love the mica lines. Of all the soaps I've made, this one is way up there on my fave list.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0L2aSwtdQzs/Wze5HahZp9I/AAAAAAAADWA/FKrUfpKriaw2D9F_X1CXGlZDZXH-R3RmwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0L2aSwtdQzs/Wze5HahZp9I/AAAAAAAADWA/FKrUfpKriaw2D9F_X1CXGlZDZXH-R3RmwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1HfdqBYf18/Wze5HaUiW2I/AAAAAAAADWE/zza7M7FH6FQ3GSK-QbK3cL_yGZx8ixIXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1HfdqBYf18/Wze5HaUiW2I/AAAAAAAADWE/zza7M7FH6FQ3GSK-QbK3cL_yGZx8ixIXgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u362wQHPBlU/Wze5D0hKeHI/AAAAAAAADV8/i1ot1TRsp2olTYZpF2d2_QZ7B2H4oN9WQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180630_094112_HDR_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u362wQHPBlU/Wze5D0hKeHI/AAAAAAAADV8/i1ot1TRsp2olTYZpF2d2_QZ7B2H4oN9WQCEwYBhgL/s320/20180630_094112_HDR_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-56088392189466632242018-06-29T08:17:00.001-07:002018-06-29T08:17:36.368-07:00Tobacco Leaves SoapYesterday's soap is out of the mold and was hard enough for me to cut right away. Seriously, it was so hard that when I tried to shave off the end, I ended up with crumbles rather than a slice. I will take that as a sign that it will be a nice, hard, long lasting bar of soap.<br /><br />I'm pleased with the final soap. I did have one (minor) issue. See the yellow spots/streaks? They're supposed to be white. I even added Titanium Dioxide (a whitener) to that batter. I'm not sure why it turned yellow but I do know it's a cosmetic issue and not a flaw.<br /><br />The Tobacco Leaves scent is really nice, not overpowering. From the vendor's description: "the Tobacco Leaves Fragrance Oil is a fresh aroma possessing notes of orange, vanilla, and amber".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Mbpk6k0pcQ/WzZMqihstLI/AAAAAAAADVs/M-X3mftUJX4okuTCkW3pm9cQla8Elb5qwCLcBGAs/s1600/Embed%2BChallenge%2Bsoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="548" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Mbpk6k0pcQ/WzZMqihstLI/AAAAAAAADVs/M-X3mftUJX4okuTCkW3pm9cQla8Elb5qwCLcBGAs/s320/Embed%2BChallenge%2Bsoap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The circular bits near the bottom are the embeds. The larger ones, with pink and black, are left over from the All Sorts soap, made with soap dough. The moon shaped bits are made with melt &amp; pour soap coloured with copper and gold micas.<br /><br />I'm pretty happy with this one, all in all. The idea for this one has been rattling around in my brain since I made the All Sorts soap. It finally came together.Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-42691890065082994102018-06-28T14:09:00.002-07:002018-06-28T14:09:55.524-07:00So Much to Tell YouRight now, I'm almost halfway through Day 1 of a five day long weekend. John and I are celebrating fourteen years of marriage and, since today is the day before the Friday before a long weekend (July 1, Canada Day), I decided to take both days off, giving me a very rare five days off.<br /><br />Soap was made today.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bfWCuC086E/WzVOj07kVfI/AAAAAAAADVg/1CqwyaojjGURhH4ZqiJdLzYyjM-sx2YIACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bfWCuC086E/WzVOj07kVfI/AAAAAAAADVg/1CqwyaojjGURhH4ZqiJdLzYyjM-sx2YIACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />There's nothing new in that. I've been making plenty of soap over the last while. The thing is, I now have a reason to make soap, other than the fact that it's just plain fun! I am now a vendor at a local market, the <a href="https://www.eastkelownamarket.net/" target="_blank">East Kelowna Sunday Artisan Community Market</a>. I'm not there every weekend but will be there twice in July and twice in August. I've already been once and it was fun! I'm looking forward to the next market.<br /><br />So, you see, soap must be made!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNRwLCHV_O0/WzVMSeU3PSI/AAAAAAAADVU/qAgSs5ng3JMOWEIRR-KE8tEU3EKDfBaTwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNRwLCHV_O0/WzVMSeU3PSI/AAAAAAAADVU/qAgSs5ng3JMOWEIRR-KE8tEU3EKDfBaTwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1gsXNllxAM/WzVMSpG0rII/AAAAAAAADVY/GmKXbkGdSYgol50JYO3i595UaGLR7_rFgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1gsXNllxAM/WzVMSpG0rII/AAAAAAAADVY/GmKXbkGdSYgol50JYO3i595UaGLR7_rFgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4PK-rRnKy4/WzVMK4pG7vI/AAAAAAAADVQ/eKol1ALXDwsgBfhMoksWPntJ8Z2gdmfkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4PK-rRnKy4/WzVMK4pG7vI/AAAAAAAADVQ/eKol1ALXDwsgBfhMoksWPntJ8Z2gdmfkACPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1784.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqHUlA0q7K0/WxwPrlzoy5I/AAAAAAAADTo/0EyxT290XTcG40M30b9hQN9yKrmeAHIkgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/On%2Bthe%2BBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqHUlA0q7K0/WxwPrlzoy5I/AAAAAAAADTo/0EyxT290XTcG40M30b9hQN9yKrmeAHIkgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/On%2Bthe%2BBeach.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8kVZ1HrOvg/WzVMKMoIGVI/AAAAAAAADVU/STnN_vLEr24GjSoaKk2PpF4MioRGJ66yACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8kVZ1HrOvg/WzVMKMoIGVI/AAAAAAAADVU/STnN_vLEr24GjSoaKk2PpF4MioRGJ66yACPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d5Vu4YpcW2E/WzVMKFlBLJI/AAAAAAAADVM/tGdDCNgUpcoHJiXlzJvRpenaT9Cd2Rl8QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d5Vu4YpcW2E/WzVMKFlBLJI/AAAAAAAADVM/tGdDCNgUpcoHJiXlzJvRpenaT9Cd2Rl8QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07teTpNPHLM/WzVMKA7NXvI/AAAAAAAADVI/OUmTafPWx_IRZK3wJNhEAnT0J2qsYLYawCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07teTpNPHLM/WzVMKA7NXvI/AAAAAAAADVI/OUmTafPWx_IRZK3wJNhEAnT0J2qsYLYawCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TciPpytnWMw/WzVL589ut3I/AAAAAAAADU0/6BII_uml_90otZK4CnjdvQyzDDU0rqkEwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TciPpytnWMw/WzVL589ut3I/AAAAAAAADU0/6BII_uml_90otZK4CnjdvQyzDDU0rqkEwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />These are a few of the soaps made within the last two months or so. I've also added Bubble Scoops to my repertoire. What are Bubble Scoops, you ask?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHvCHcOd_GY/WzVL6tEQQ7I/AAAAAAAADU4/4zNCR2wVVho9hSo_HK2B758riH7u0fsPwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHvCHcOd_GY/WzVL6tEQQ7I/AAAAAAAADU4/4zNCR2wVVho9hSo_HK2B758riH7u0fsPwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JNPqdrR8ho/WzVL543upOI/AAAAAAAADU8/Nvyw-g4YjBkjOMqeIOTux6d9qvAI5uskACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JNPqdrR8ho/WzVL543upOI/AAAAAAAADU8/Nvyw-g4YjBkjOMqeIOTux6d9qvAI5uskACPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1tW3RSEbgI/WzVL5_2vaJI/AAAAAAAADUs/UbBwtVuAeVwQTBTtSZOUso06DKrGh4pBgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1tW3RSEbgI/WzVL5_2vaJI/AAAAAAAADUs/UbBwtVuAeVwQTBTtSZOUso06DKrGh4pBgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1790.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPChOSAHnL8/WzVL7TVU5FI/AAAAAAAADUw/IBecg1Lf0js6noY8TNNrVVbGQCy1c9wcACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPChOSAHnL8/WzVL7TVU5FI/AAAAAAAADUw/IBecg1Lf0js6noY8TNNrVVbGQCy1c9wcACPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />These are Bubble Scoops. They're a solid bubble bath. Each of these scoops (just over one ounce each), is enough for one regular bubble bath. Each is scented quite strongly (my house smells amazing, sometimes a bit overpowering) but it's diluted in a full bath. I'll be making a few more batches before my next market, just to see how they'll sell. I have a feeling they could be quite popular.<br /><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-61532518619180876182018-03-10T09:14:00.001-08:002018-03-10T09:14:54.336-08:00Sometimes, It's the Simple ThingsAs a soap maker, I often find myself browsing Pinterest for ideas. There are some amazing soap makers out there... swirls, colours, techniques. Really, some of the soap they make would qualify as pieces of art. I'm serious! Check out this woman's soaps - <a href="http://www.fromgracetoyou.com/" target="_blank">From Grace to You.</a>&nbsp;She even has a bar of soap that she sells for $300 (US) per bar! I wouldn't be able to decide whether to use it or hang it on the wall, to be honest.<br /><br />I'll stick with the simple soaps I make. I don't want anyone to be so intimidated that they refuse to use my soap because "it's too pretty". It's meant to get you clean, with some enjoyment thrown in for good measure. Call it an affordable luxury, if you will.<br /><br />This week, I did simple. We have a small challenge going on in the Ravelry soap makers group, making soap with natural colorants. It's something I've been meaning to do for a while but just haven't gotten around to, never had the push to just do it. This week, I did it.<br /><br />A month or so ago, I infused two jars of oil with natural colorants, one with Annatto seed powder and one with Turmeric powder. The jars of oil have been waiting for me to put them to some kind of use. Incidentally, the oils can also be used in food making. Both herbs are also food herbs. Annatto is most commonly used in rice dishes, giving it a gorgeous yellow colour (from my reading) and I'm sure everyone is familiar with turmeric, widely used in Asian food.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGZA9TTmhA4/WqQPl5I3wrI/AAAAAAAADQg/WIAkiOmWxm8Xz_QXrR5QYCzd7VXYB_d-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Infused%2Boils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGZA9TTmhA4/WqQPl5I3wrI/AAAAAAAADQg/WIAkiOmWxm8Xz_QXrR5QYCzd7VXYB_d-gCEwYBhgL/s320/Infused%2Boils.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annatto on the left and turmeric on the right</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I chose a low coconut oil recipe and made enough to fill my mold, plus a little extra. I haven't taken pictures of the main soap yet (that will happen later today) but here's a picture of the mini loaf, coloured with annatto and turmeric. Oh, I added a little bit of turmeric into the soap batter as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybp0Mz1mMik/WqQRGTfcxCI/AAAAAAAADQw/9qQqhxjIqpcpbEHiro7whPef5NNUfEPzACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybp0Mz1mMik/WqQRGTfcxCI/AAAAAAAADQw/9qQqhxjIqpcpbEHiro7whPef5NNUfEPzACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1687.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7pYts2nqjg/WqQGfDzLzTI/AAAAAAAADQE/xZy_2_ddRhk6HvoeSSP0Eb2j9FOdGxN9gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7pYts2nqjg/WqQGfDzLzTI/AAAAAAAADQE/xZy_2_ddRhk6HvoeSSP0Eb2j9FOdGxN9gCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1690.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />It's very lightly scented with sandalwood fragrance oil and there are calendula petals on the top. Calendula petals can also be used as a soap colorant and it's one of the very few botanicals that doesn't discolour in soap. This picture doesn't show the colour very well. It's much more obvious in the following picture. The scrap that the mini bar is resting on is the end cut of the loaf; some of the batter was left uncoloured to make the natural colours "pop".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zokN8gVsg7w/WqQPmH_UYPI/AAAAAAAADQk/0fiEDrCIGyk-h0O9WzuZx5HYT3e7_qdKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Annatto%2BTurmeric%2Bsoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zokN8gVsg7w/WqQPmH_UYPI/AAAAAAAADQk/0fiEDrCIGyk-h0O9WzuZx5HYT3e7_qdKQCEwYBhgL/s320/Annatto%2BTurmeric%2Bsoap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I've already said that I'm always on the lookout for techniques I can implement in my soapmaking. I came across another, very simple, one that I will definitely be using. It was inspired by a pin that lead me to this website - <a href="http://www.forestandfauna.com/make-your-own-chocolate-chips/" target="_blank">Forest &amp; Fauna</a> - and a way of making your own chocolate chips. I had no intention of making my own chocolate chips but I could immediately see a way of implementing this in soap.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0kAnIk6WII/WqQRO3TaxJI/AAAAAAAADQ4/AmpHsA3YYs0i-taqovhoKjSO-HXkJ8S5wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0kAnIk6WII/WqQRO3TaxJI/AAAAAAAADQ4/AmpHsA3YYs0i-taqovhoKjSO-HXkJ8S5wCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />When I made another batch of "My Poop Don't Stink" this week, there was a little bit of batter remaining that wouldn't fit into the molds. Instead of letting it go to waste, I spread it on to one of my silicone trivets, one with a honeycomb mesh. This morning, I unmolded my little chocolate soap chips. Aren't they cute?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u55_fL0zhd4/WqQRO5vE5zI/AAAAAAAADQ0/BKXudlAfzsMbuEMbaCfgsSItVmJNF_WhACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u55_fL0zhd4/WqQRO5vE5zI/AAAAAAAADQ0/BKXudlAfzsMbuEMbaCfgsSItVmJNF_WhACEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I intend to use them as confetti in a soap batter or as decorations on the tops of future soaps, once I have enough to do something with. They won't all be chocolate, as these are, but multi-coloured. And they're SO easy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zn9pXwcqO8/WqQPmKbS0sI/AAAAAAAADQo/QIKta8JrkzoNiOzzONDc6iUB1Rqcj4GRgCEwYBhgL/s1600/No%2BChoco%2Bchips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="438" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zn9pXwcqO8/WqQPmKbS0sI/AAAAAAAADQo/QIKta8JrkzoNiOzzONDc6iUB1Rqcj4GRgCEwYBhgL/s320/No%2BChoco%2Bchips.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-65035944293344642732018-03-04T13:34:00.000-08:002018-03-04T13:34:14.464-08:00Some Of These ThingsWeekends are play time for me. It's my time for soap making. This weekend has been no exception. First up is a long planned Lemon &amp; Poppyseed soap. Whenever I've made it in the past, it has gone over very well. It has just the right amount of "scrubby" and the scent of lemon, orange, and peppermint just smells so yummy!<br /><br />This one was made yesterday and unmolded and cut this morning. The weather was actually nice enough, finally, to take pictures outside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lm8rTt39R_s/Wpxh3SUviOI/AAAAAAAADPk/8ZwDCasCGkE3BAcBpZaoVtx6UUmtmgvLgCLcBGAs/s1600/LemonPoppyseed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="501" height="248" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lm8rTt39R_s/Wpxh3SUviOI/AAAAAAAADPk/8ZwDCasCGkE3BAcBpZaoVtx6UUmtmgvLgCLcBGAs/s320/LemonPoppyseed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The only (very minor) critique I have about this soap is that the yellow could have been a little more... yellow. It's the first time I worked with Voyageur's concentrated neon colours so I was very light handed. I know for next time, I can use more.<br /><br />Today, I made another batch of a soap that has become my most popular soap to date, Java Jumpstart. The scent is intoxicating - a blend of cinnamon, clove, ginger, patchouli, and sweet orange - and the addition of cocoa, ground coffee, and oatmeal gives it a scrubbiness that makes it perfect as a kitchen soap. I have a bar of this one in my bathroom at all times.<br /><br />It's still in the mold (I just made it this morning) and should be ready for cutting by the time I get off work tomorrow.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iQGGwUEYNw/Wpxh6iVkRzI/AAAAAAAADP4/xngwZk13_18i1S3gfmlxv2Dl26FhZQ6owCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iQGGwUEYNw/Wpxh6iVkRzI/AAAAAAAADP4/xngwZk13_18i1S3gfmlxv2Dl26FhZQ6owCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1677.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>After I took this picture, I decided to change the top up a little. We'll see how it works out when I cut it.<br /><br />Remember the old Sesame Street song, "One of these things is not like the other, some of these things are kind of the same..."? (Do they still sing it?) Well, in this next picture, some of these things are not like the others.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gAssbvyN60/Wpxh3Sj1AWI/AAAAAAAADP0/howJWtUAKPgZ8x_RDmQF8SbgR17JzaMfACEwYBhgL/s1600/Rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gAssbvyN60/Wpxh3Sj1AWI/AAAAAAAADP0/howJWtUAKPgZ8x_RDmQF8SbgR17JzaMfACEwYBhgL/s320/Rocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I came across a pin on Pinterest on how to make river rocks with soap shavings and odds and ends. This was a fun little distraction and something I'll do again. There are always bits and pieces that end up in the scrap basket. This is one way to use them up; that and the fact that they're the last piece in a future project idea.<br /><br />So, which are real and which are soap?Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-13062512578025849892018-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:002018-03-03T08:58:46.278-08:00Soap GremlinsI'm not thrilled. It seems I've been tempting the soap gremlins and they've showed up. As pretty as the Ice Queen soap is, it isn't perfect.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gi34jlBY46k/WprQ60s0dVI/AAAAAAAADO4/iuROvi5zF4kzWS2_HYjbhf3Q4UM5dZ2KACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gi34jlBY46k/WprQ60s0dVI/AAAAAAAADO4/iuROvi5zF4kzWS2_HYjbhf3Q4UM5dZ2KACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Don't get me wrong. I'm happy with the soap itself. I love the concept of this soap. This particular batch, however, didn't play nice. Once hardened, it was nearly impossible to get out of the mold. Seriously, I had to lay the mold on the floor, put my foot on one edge, and tear the mold apart! Perhaps I should have waited another day or so. I ended up cutting about 1/4" off one edge. So much for not lining that particular mold. Why tempt the soap gremlins more than necessary, right?<br /><br />Then there were the sugar pearls. I don't think they like the gelling process.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GInWFNsMvk/WprSWWmGkvI/AAAAAAAADPE/sccUY2QGM88ZTvo0U8PhP7q83YtpT6gmwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GInWFNsMvk/WprSWWmGkvI/AAAAAAAADPE/sccUY2QGM88ZTvo0U8PhP7q83YtpT6gmwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Do you see the orange-y halo around some of the pearls? They seem to have started melting and reacting with the soap batter. I think I'll try another batch, possibly this weekend, to see if not gelling them makes a difference.<br /><br />I also need to remember that soap does NOT have to be unmolded within the first 24 hours. I was a little impatient with the poop soap. I really wanted to see how it looked so I unmolded one before it was fully saponified. Part of it was left in the mold. Oops.<br /><br />Patience, grasshopper, patience. Now, how do I appease the soap gremlins and send them on their way?Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-3078809643227636142018-02-25T14:39:00.000-08:002018-02-25T14:39:23.168-08:00Two More MadeIt is not nice out today. It's been snowing on and off all day today and it isn't a day to be out and about. It is, however, the perfect day for making soap.<br /><br />With a soaping supplies order having arrived this week, it was the perfect time to make my planned Poop Soap. Yes, Poop Soap. I'm going to call it "My Poop Don't Stink". And, this one doesn't stink. It smells like chocolate fudge! I know a few little, and not so little, boys who will love this one.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgs-KM6AERg/WpM2E7V2fKI/AAAAAAAADOU/kIVjvWBBTNUve0udMrGSzEtctGjbNvSXwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cgs-KM6AERg/WpM2E7V2fKI/AAAAAAAADOU/kIVjvWBBTNUve0udMrGSzEtctGjbNvSXwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />In the mold, it looks a lot like chocolate pudding, doesn't it? And that's kind of what it smells like, too. My daughter suggested I add a bit of ground coffee to the batter so I did, along with a bit of ground oatmeal. The coffee will make the soap a little "scrubby", making it a good hand soap.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ps87GqNyTU/WpM65sWyeSI/AAAAAAAADOo/iBbhBNUYNEoZmXPdatRb_9Kps8z-QClWQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ps87GqNyTU/WpM65sWyeSI/AAAAAAAADOo/iBbhBNUYNEoZmXPdatRb_9Kps8z-QClWQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1660.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Today, I decided to, once again, make the Ice Queen soap. This time, I used a non-morphing blue colorant. I used a luxurious blend of oils that includes cocoa butter and shea butter and is scented with Sensuous Sandalwood, one of my favourite scents right now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LcLbLriaXU/WpM2E_1d6II/AAAAAAAADOc/AZWbqwWb45QIJki575o9k0OvBH4tnZToQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LcLbLriaXU/WpM2E_1d6II/AAAAAAAADOc/AZWbqwWb45QIJki575o9k0OvBH4tnZToQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1658.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />I've topped it with dyed rock salt, sugar pearls, and ultrafine opalescent glitter. I'll be able to unmold and cut it tomorrow and, I'll be honest, I'm looking forward to seeing how the swirls turned out.Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-49710728454099798132018-02-23T20:14:00.002-08:002018-02-23T20:14:25.902-08:00Play TimeThe soap dough challenge on Soapmaking Forum is coming to an end this weekend. Over the past week or so, I've been mulling ideas around, trying to come up with.... something. I finally came across a photo that inspired me; it was similar to this one.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy-jA1O1Apc/WpDjZ_6JHII/AAAAAAAADNE/TA5Z6kVHb54xLE1_W5d9b83LPy8a050zACLcBGAs/s1600/Liquorice-Allsorts-Sweets-in-a-Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1250" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy-jA1O1Apc/WpDjZ_6JHII/AAAAAAAADNE/TA5Z6kVHb54xLE1_W5d9b83LPy8a050zACLcBGAs/s320/Liquorice-Allsorts-Sweets-in-a-Bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I know that these are fairly simple to mimic but they still take time and trying to figure out how best to put it all together was also a bit of a challenge. When I realized that the deadline was fast approaching (Feb. 25), I figured I'd best get my butt in gear.<br /><br />Over the last few days, I'd been sketching out layout ideas and finally came up with one I liked. When I got home from work yesterday, I got to work. Unfortunately, my batter thickened up a little faster than I'd hoped and I had to hurry to get it all together but, all in all, I'm pretty happy with my soap.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Here are some of the pieces I used to put the soap together. On the left, the pink/white/black rod and the black and white rods will span the length of the mold. (I used the mini mold for this soap.) The rest are some of the "candies".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qrx-iczYnw/WpDkNJVlS8I/AAAAAAAADNU/e4enOE6bCpMetCePjCFZOQEapXE-aVMsQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qrx-iczYnw/WpDkNJVlS8I/AAAAAAAADNU/e4enOE6bCpMetCePjCFZOQEapXE-aVMsQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1643.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcYJ9x2OPsk/WpDkNGCQqMI/AAAAAAAADNQ/q7cmW6aaXBkGvv8RTvYlV_dPEz_ndjvtwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcYJ9x2OPsk/WpDkNGCQqMI/AAAAAAAADNQ/q7cmW6aaXBkGvv8RTvYlV_dPEz_ndjvtwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />John was ready to try one of these before I told him they were soap. He was a little disappointed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8W02Tlszy4/WpDkNIrHgfI/AAAAAAAADNk/jtwJKdI0DN468Gkw3uZ__BfkAVc93CeQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8W02Tlszy4/WpDkNIrHgfI/AAAAAAAADNk/jtwJKdI0DN468Gkw3uZ__BfkAVc93CeQwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The soap in the mold. Sorry, the photo isn't the best but you get the idea.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fk_giYvHuI/WpDkNwMggAI/AAAAAAAADNs/sQuWpocvqI4mS4Kia8nOQOx5zQQRVv-2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fk_giYvHuI/WpDkNwMggAI/AAAAAAAADNs/sQuWpocvqI4mS4Kia8nOQOx5zQQRVv-2QCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And, the cut soap. I had envisioned the bar being another, larger, candy with green, black, and white stripes but my batter thickened up more than I expected. I'm not disappointed, though. It's a fun soap, a cheerful soap. The batter was lightly scented with Sweet Fennel essential oil, an oil that smells like licorice.<br /><br />There was more batter than needed for the small mold, which I did on purpose because I knew I wouldn't be able to use all the "candies" on this loaf.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3SaRQy3qN8/WpDkOKatX9I/AAAAAAAADNo/8QaI0muvGTAAg2uyx34TZ5czKNmoo2E4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J3SaRQy3qN8/WpDkOKatX9I/AAAAAAAADNo/8QaI0muvGTAAg2uyx34TZ5czKNmoo2E4wCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1653.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />All in all, I'm pretty happy with this soap. It's fun, playful, colourful, smells yummy and the scent works with the theme of the bars. That said, I still want to make a soap with roses, scent it with something totally different and call it "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden."<br /><br />Tomorrow? Poop!Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-1933571505082848472018-02-18T13:53:00.000-08:002018-02-18T13:53:07.319-08:00Lesson LearnedWhen it comes to almost any craft, there are times things don't go quite as planned. I had a vision of what I wanted my Flower Garden soap to be. I knew the scent I wanted and I knew how I wanted to pour.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B45jRf5G7aY/Wony6ncnCyI/AAAAAAAADLU/ifa0wazOpTw59UMXQ4XyzQ76tPsgXoGrQCLcBGAs/s1600/P0000113853S0121T2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B45jRf5G7aY/Wony6ncnCyI/AAAAAAAADLU/ifa0wazOpTw59UMXQ4XyzQ76tPsgXoGrQCLcBGAs/s320/P0000113853S0121T2.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><br />This was my inspiration. I wanted to pour uncoloured batter on the impression mat. Then, I would colour the batter and add my scent. The first step went beautifully.<br /><br />And then everything went south. When I added my colour (a mix of Moroccan Red Clay and Glitz and Glam Mica) and scent (a blend of English Rose and Sensual Amber.... smells amazing!), my batter accelerated, and fast!<br /><br />I did manage to spoon it into the mold and managed to get most of the bubbles out but I was afraid I'd "smooshed" the uncoloured batter into an unrecognizable mess. I'd made a larger batch and what was left was pressed into heart shaped molds. Yes, pressed in. By the time I'd filled the flower mold, the batter had firmed up to a play dough consistency.<br /><br />By the time I went to bed last night, the soap was completely firm and I could unmold it. However, some of the flowers on the top were so brittle I couldn't get them out of the mold properly. Plus, the batter had been squished under the impression mat and up the sides of the soap body.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVHHwveWrsY/Won03POH-WI/AAAAAAAADLg/hbXr3y7RisIlgMd_dr8o_QWTzXtYyhIZgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVHHwveWrsY/Won03POH-WI/AAAAAAAADLg/hbXr3y7RisIlgMd_dr8o_QWTzXtYyhIZgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1639.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8tfgqqq7fJQ/Won03CacE8I/AAAAAAAADLk/tziPPwnAWJEERP-lV3QK90kGwCAnNV4owCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8tfgqqq7fJQ/Won03CacE8I/AAAAAAAADLk/tziPPwnAWJEERP-lV3QK90kGwCAnNV4owCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />These hearts look the worst. Today, I cut three of them into small cubes to make a confetti soap. It's in the oven, gelling, right now. My first reaction was to rebatch the entire batch but.... It IS a nice soap. Already it's hard, it lathers well, and it smells really nice, very feminine. I think I'll keep the bars (the hears will be used for rebatching) but offer them at a reduced price, just because they're not perfect.Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-45818226721947835822018-02-17T10:11:00.000-08:002018-02-17T10:11:22.462-08:00Time for a ChangeOne of the first things you'll notice today is a name change. I've recently become serious about gearing up to sell some of my soap. To that end, Suds 'n Things is too nebulous a name, too difficult to come up with a "look", a logo, a theme; I needed something a little more concrete, something that reflects what I do and where I am. After a lot of thought, I've decided on Mission Meadows Soapery.<br /><br />We live in an area of Kelowna called the Lower Mission, near Mission Creek, one of my favourite walking spots. Near us there's a farm called Old Meadows Farm, where we often buy vegetables in the summer, another favourite spot. This area has historically been an agricultural area, with orchards and, now, vineyards. When I combined the two, I came up with Mission Meadows... and because I make soap, the Soapery was rather obvious.<br /><br />That out of the way, I still intend for this to be a place to catalog my soapy adventures, making it easy for me to see what I've done and when I did it.<br /><br />Last week, I blogged about the Dead Sea Mud soap. I never did show the cut soap. It turned out even better than I'd anticipated. Apart from looking like blocks of concrete, the soap smells amazing and has an earthy, pure look about it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_zygas2068/WohrIoC0cwI/AAAAAAAADJQ/c8UJNd6pMys5M-9I-LGC81EoNBUNuhq7ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSMud2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_zygas2068/WohrIoC0cwI/AAAAAAAADJQ/c8UJNd6pMys5M-9I-LGC81EoNBUNuhq7ACLcBGAs/s320/DSMud2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "shells" aren't part of the soap; they've just been laid on top for the photo.</td></tr></tbody></table>I'm looking forward to trying this soap. It should be a good one. The soap base is a good one, one I've used in other soaps as well. When you have a good base recipe, you'll always have a decent soap.<br /><br />Last weekend was a long weekend here in BC (Family Day). The grands were here for a few hours on Monday and I let Trinity play with the soap dough, mainly to see if she could inspire me. She enjoyed it and came up with a few things.<br /><br />All that day (and all the previous week), I was mulling around an idea for a soap made in a column mold. I brought home a core from a roll of architectural paper, a 3" heavy cardboard tube. I'd previously purchased an impression mat, intended for cake decorating. My intention was to line the tube, first with freezer paper to make the unmolding easier, then with the silicon impression mat.<br /><br />For colouring the soap, I wanted to use some of the green clay I'd purchased a few weeks earlier. I was envisioning a green and white In The Pot (ITP) swirl. Once the kids had gone home, it was time for me to play.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K31l_h3_CDA/WohtE5TGvkI/AAAAAAAADJk/u71c9NOVeeM1ZQZTaRnwYC9Locc_ld9MACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K31l_h3_CDA/WohtE5TGvkI/AAAAAAAADJk/u71c9NOVeeM1ZQZTaRnwYC9Locc_ld9MACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here's what the soap looked like as it came out of the mold, with the silicon impression mat still in place. It's already looking good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHXmLTXa-ow/WohtEhvCKPI/AAAAAAAADJc/7Xllrdk8ZxINFAJ0g5D_G-8EsM0AFlr8gCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHXmLTXa-ow/WohtEhvCKPI/AAAAAAAADJc/7Xllrdk8ZxINFAJ0g5D_G-8EsM0AFlr8gCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />At this point, I was thrilled. The soap had partially gelled and it felt smooth and fairly hard. And it smelled amazing. I scented it with Petitgrain, Bergamot, and Lemon essential oils and coloured it with Chromium Oxide Green and Titanium Dioxide (white). I cut it the following day.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky0N1UF9UOA/WohtE-OISJI/AAAAAAAADJs/hKQAPHrY5TQJfVQUwtLkEW3lhZw3C6rKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky0N1UF9UOA/WohtE-OISJI/AAAAAAAADJs/hKQAPHrY5TQJfVQUwtLkEW3lhZw3C6rKgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1607.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Introducing Green Goddess soap</td></tr></tbody></table>To say I am happy is an understatement. I am thrilled with this one; it is everything I had envisioned. I had enough to make a few smaller bars as well and, on one of them, I used one of Trinity's creations. She doesn't know it yet, but she'll be getting this bar of soap once it has fully cured, in about a month.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbML-l5q2A0/Wohv9MyB0FI/AAAAAAAADJ0/IHHIWAEI5LUPWk-oxGcYejIEYq_nJ4d_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Butterfly%2Bsoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbML-l5q2A0/Wohv9MyB0FI/AAAAAAAADJ0/IHHIWAEI5LUPWk-oxGcYejIEYq_nJ4d_gCLcBGAs/s320/Butterfly%2Bsoap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-15590072285460883412018-02-11T16:20:00.001-08:002018-02-11T16:20:35.704-08:00Mud SoapI'm a Pinterest addict. I freely admit it. Don't judge me too harshly, though. I do come across some good stuff occasionally and I have pinned some good stuff, too, as I've come across it. In researching soap and techniques,&nbsp; I came across a <a href="http://www.humblebeeandme.com/dead-sea-soap/#more-8896" target="_blank">"Humblebee and me" post about Dead Sea Mud soap</a>. Then, while I was doing a bit of shopping on the Voyageur website, a tub of Dead Sea mud managed to make its way into my cart.<br /><br />Today, I made her recipe, more or less as written. Marie uses tallow in her recipe; I think I still have a tub of tallow, buried deep in my freezer. I think. I know I have lard so I reformulated the recipe to use lard instead of tallow. (Both make great soap, by the way.) Apart from that minor change, I followed her recipe.<br /><br />The batter took a while to come to trace but, I have to say, it looked so silky I just wanted to dip my fingers in to feel it. That is never a good idea when it comes to fresh batter so I didn't but.... I wanted to. The soap is in the spare room now, saponifying, doing its thing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTIY5Ypf1qk/WoDaWb9oHqI/AAAAAAAADIw/y8CugTMaBsYEKFLz0Dh52LOB8w521DXuwCLcBGAs/s1600/DeadSeaMud%2Bsoap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTIY5Ypf1qk/WoDaWb9oHqI/AAAAAAAADIw/y8CugTMaBsYEKFLz0Dh52LOB8w521DXuwCLcBGAs/s320/DeadSeaMud%2Bsoap1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's scented with Petitgrain and Mandarin Orange. It smells lovely, almost old fashioned and, as she notes in her post, it's a heavy soap. I've never used Dead Sea Mud before; it has a distinctive odor. John says it smells like the bottom of a pond and, I suppose, when you really think about it, this IS mud from the bottom of a lake. It's very earthy, salty, vegetal, deep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning, I unmolded and cut the Salt &amp; Pepper Soap. I was kind of surprised at&nbsp; how hard the soap was already. Other soaps, after 24 hours, aren't nearly as firm as this one was. It's probably because I gelled it, while most of my soaps are not gelled. Cutting it revealed the glycerin rivers I was hoping for, as well as the salt halos I was looking for. Interestingly, a lot of soapers see glycerin rivers as a flaw; I want them in this soap. I could have used more Activated Charcoal and have made a note to that effect in the soap recipe. All in all, though, I'm happy with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_wbuM-85IQ/WoDaWfX4iII/AAAAAAAADI8/5hFwVSZ11OgcUeDT_hMk5Ct_TGCYWDMDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Salt%2Band%2Bpepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_wbuM-85IQ/WoDaWfX4iII/AAAAAAAADI8/5hFwVSZ11OgcUeDT_hMk5Ct_TGCYWDMDgCEwYBhgL/s320/Salt%2Band%2Bpepper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week, I received an Amazon order that had a couple of mini shell molds. I wanted them so I could make some embeds, especially for a soap I'm planning out. It will have a seaside/beach/ocean theme and shells will, of course, fit right in. Using a bit of the batter from the Salt &amp; Pepper soap (and I do mean a bit... no more than a couple of tablespoons), I made these...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlZSYc6E5jE/WoDaWdmFGLI/AAAAAAAADJA/fQ-jSbzo304vzMUe5AdiiKYKIQ0o3L7GwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Shells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlZSYc6E5jE/WoDaWdmFGLI/AAAAAAAADJA/fQ-jSbzo304vzMUe5AdiiKYKIQ0o3L7GwCEwYBhgL/s320/Shells.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The largest of them is no bigger than an inch across. The stripes (pale brown) are painted on with a mica in glycerin. It soaks into the fresh soap, leaving the colour as more of a stain than anything else. I'm looking forward to using these in an upcoming soap and will be making more with little bits of whatever soap I'm making in the interim. I already have a few in the mold using the S&amp;P batter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm also looking forward to incorporating more of the melt &amp; pour soap into future products. Suddenly, soap making is so much fun again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-56577947834790600342018-02-10T15:46:00.000-08:002018-02-10T15:46:54.182-08:00Salt & Pepper SoapA couple of years back, we had a black &amp; white soap challenge on the Soapmaking Forum. I made what I called Salt &amp; Pepper Soap. One half was coloured white and had poppy seeds in it; the other side was black and had salt in it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn0mxS7Sfvg/VrjOEhv_CmI/AAAAAAAAC70/HmCvk15XFDYMC70ZQaaBYbGh0t3SWytUQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn0mxS7Sfvg/VrjOEhv_CmI/AAAAAAAAC70/HmCvk15XFDYMC70ZQaaBYbGh0t3SWytUQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />That was then. I decided to reprise that soap because I did receive a lot of favourable comments on it. It went into the mold today and I've had it in the oven for the last couple of hours, gelling.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylF8SK9SxtE/Wn9_eeVzzDI/AAAAAAAADIM/eGSS-lsr1Ng1WBwAD__dJ58G1na0sftXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Salt%2Band%2BPepper%2Bsoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylF8SK9SxtE/Wn9_eeVzzDI/AAAAAAAADIM/eGSS-lsr1Ng1WBwAD__dJ58G1na0sftXQCLcBGAs/s320/Salt%2Band%2BPepper%2Bsoap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It looks like it's lightened up a bit in the oven but we'll wait and see how it looks once it's cooled and I can cut it. If I remember correctly, I didn't scent the challenge soap because I wanted maximum time to do what I had envisioned. This time, I scented it with a combination of Sweet Amber fragrance oil and Peppermint essential oil. It smells pretty good, to be honest.<br /><br />Every once in a while, you come across something that kind of blows your mind. Today was one of those days. I've seen a pin on Pinterest on how to make a soap mold from corrugated plastic (Coroplast) numerous times and was intrigued but when I clicked on the pin, it took me to a website that was clearly translated from another language... badly. It was very difficult to follow, let alone understand. Then, this morning, one of the ladies (artemis) on SMF posted a YouTube link to a video explaining and demonstrating the technique very clearly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TVFA_XDj2TY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TVFA_XDj2TY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've watched it and it suddenly went CLICK in my mind. Once I saw it, it just made sense. A piece of Coroplast and four binder clips. That's it. I can now make any size of mold I might want or need!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You know I had to try it, right? This is a 6 x 4 x 3" mold, enough to make about 4 bars of soap of about 3" x 2" x 1.5"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZPUB9ENKwA/Wn-ChZUrn6I/AAAAAAAADIY/7vjQ6eXrr9QRUa0Aj0zHGc7YMUQqBTUmQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZPUB9ENKwA/Wn-ChZUrn6I/AAAAAAAADIY/7vjQ6eXrr9QRUa0Aj0zHGc7YMUQqBTUmQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It comes together very quickly with the binder clips. The videographer recommends lining it with plastic wrap and, from some of my reading, the Coroplast does begin to disintegrate with repeated uses (because of the lye). However, I can get the Coroplast for very little and it makes for a very inexpensive mold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPliG2Z3Hi0/Wn-ChnEttsI/AAAAAAAADIg/WIKh4T1vYr09_5H_zKUCKuXWo-qQu4IMACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPliG2Z3Hi0/Wn-ChnEttsI/AAAAAAAADIg/WIKh4T1vYr09_5H_zKUCKuXWo-qQu4IMACEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Four binder clips and... ta da... a mini test mold that cost me absolutely nothing! I was given a piece of black Coroplast that measured about 3' x 4' by my neighbour, who was going to throw it into the garbage. I have enough to make as many molds as I want.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A tall &amp; skinny mold? No problem! An extra long mold for a large batch? No problem!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am VERY happy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-24313236169321141912018-02-05T16:28:00.000-08:002018-02-05T16:28:16.312-08:00Honeycomb SoapWe have a winner! The suggestion of putting the soap in the oven for CPOP (Cold Process Oven Process) was definitely the key.<br /><br />I let the soap sit overnight before trying to unmold it then held my breath as I pushed the bottom of the mold to reveal....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gdOBvTlgf4/Wnj011egYvI/AAAAAAAADH8/275rOGHeyxkR6GL_vgrLyzxCDF34pTPNgCLcBGAs/s1600/honeycomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gdOBvTlgf4/Wnj011egYvI/AAAAAAAADH8/275rOGHeyxkR6GL_vgrLyzxCDF34pTPNgCLcBGAs/s320/honeycomb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It came out beautifully, just as I had imagined! I waited a couple of hours before cutting it and deliberating on how best to cut it. I love my little wire cheese cutter but I'd been told that M&amp;P soap has been known to break the wires. On the one hand, I do have a couple extra wires for my cutter but, on the other hand, I didn't want to unnecessarily break on in trying it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I tried it anyway. I turned the soap upside down, cutting through the cold process part first, then slowly and carefully pushing through the M&amp;P soap. It worked beautifully!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, last night, after my first round of colonoscopy prep was finished (shudder), I melted some of the clear M&amp;P, coloured it to mimic honey as best I could, and drizzled the "honey" over the soap and left it to set overnight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBG96DsB70U/Wnj0148rvgI/AAAAAAAADIA/MikX15dLSgMrGbRYYgSuMWX_3tGfeidXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2%2Bsoap%2Bhoneycomb%2Bsoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBG96DsB70U/Wnj0148rvgI/AAAAAAAADIA/MikX15dLSgMrGbRYYgSuMWX_3tGfeidXQCEwYBhgL/s320/2%2Bsoap%2Bhoneycomb%2Bsoap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am beyond happy. To envision something in my mind is one thing; to successfully take it to completion is quite another. Now that I know it's possible to work with both kinds of soap in one bar, a whole new world has opened up and my mind is spinning with possibilities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-1443740105306679972018-02-04T10:18:00.000-08:002018-02-04T10:18:53.796-08:00Ugh and Ugh!Well, my soapmaking has hit a bump. The lavender, patchouli, and jasmine soap is out of the mold and cut and..... it stinks! It really stinks. Even though there is only 1/2 teaspoon of jasmine in the entire loaf, it dominates dramatically. On the bright side, the soap end I tried lathers beautifully and smells better than the soap itself.<br /><br />I'm a little torn as to whether or not I should scrap the entire loaf and write it off, or offer it for sale at a reduced rate. Some people might like it and it is, after all, a decent soap. Decisions, decisions.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edZ5B19SrmU/WndMtCqd_6I/AAAAAAAADHw/O9hIiwH0TTkJAswwWPKoRYkW1lEvP8nVgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN1564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edZ5B19SrmU/WndMtCqd_6I/AAAAAAAADHw/O9hIiwH0TTkJAswwWPKoRYkW1lEvP8nVgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN1564.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here's the bottom of the loaf, which I had wanted to be the top originally. It was definitely an experiment. I'll try using the mat again but I'm not sure it's something that will be a regular feature.<br /><br />Then, earlier this week, I wanted to do an experiment. Something I saw on Pinterest piqued my interest.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SG6ySVv6qp8/WndJddSw52I/AAAAAAAADHU/hCDw9y-6PlQznSybNuUlchC7dDRuLguowCLcBGAs/s1600/f943d3477c406c918b48d1c029753d59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SG6ySVv6qp8/WndJddSw52I/AAAAAAAADHU/hCDw9y-6PlQznSybNuUlchC7dDRuLguowCLcBGAs/s320/f943d3477c406c918b48d1c029753d59.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><br />The one in the picture is made from melt &amp; pour soap, something I don't work with. However, it did get me thinking. What if I combined melt &amp; pour with cold process soap. After all, cp soap, made with oatmeal, milk, and honey, is a lovely soap. Using the melt &amp; pour would make the honeycomb layer more realistic that it would look with CP soap. Then, add in the fact that my Voyageur order arrived and it contained a bottle of Oatmeal Milk &amp; Honey fragrance oil, and my decision was made. I stopped in at Michael's and purchased a 2 lb. block of melt &amp; pour base.<br /><br />Once home, I finalized my recipe to fit in my new mini mold and got to work. First, I lined the bottom of the mold with bubble wrap to emulate the honey comb. Then I melted some of the m&amp;p soap and coloured it with a bit of yellow/gold colorant meant for m&amp;p soap, and poured it into my lined mold to a depth of about 1/2 inch.<br /><br />Then I made my cp soap. keeping everything as cool as possible. I have read that, when making a combo soap, it's a good idea to spritz the m&amp;p soap with alcohol before pouring the cp soap so I did that, spritzing generously. I know that any soap made with milk and honey can overheat so, to be on the safe side, I put the mold outside for a while. Our temperatures right now are hovering around the freezing mark and I thought that should help keep it on the cool side.<br /><br />The following day, I unmolded the soap.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz7kQmweT_I/WndMtNrwNHI/AAAAAAAADHg/J8aFRE4mdr4DYx2HHmo5oJDg_KYzXb-wQCLcBGAs/s1600/OHM%2Bsoap%2B-%2Bseparated2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz7kQmweT_I/WndMtNrwNHI/AAAAAAAADHg/J8aFRE4mdr4DYx2HHmo5oJDg_KYzXb-wQCLcBGAs/s320/OHM%2Bsoap%2B-%2Bseparated2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It smells amazing! So soft and, dare I say, comforting? That's the upside. The downside? Well, it came apart. There's also a lot of soda ash on the cp part.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4h_gVPMsDs/WndMtdXMwVI/AAAAAAAADHo/kS_d88bMZm0asnvWPy7alZN_FZ5OQdvwQCLcBGAs/s1600/OHM%2Bsoap%2B-%2Bseparated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4h_gVPMsDs/WndMtdXMwVI/AAAAAAAADHo/kS_d88bMZm0asnvWPy7alZN_FZ5OQdvwQCLcBGAs/s320/OHM%2Bsoap%2B-%2Bseparated.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning, I'm trying it again. I'll be following some recommendations from fellow soap makers on SoapMaking Forum. The first suggestion was to encourage the soap to gel. Allowing it to gel should bring the heat up just high enough to soften the m&amp;p soap and allow the two soaps to meld together. The other suggestion was, once again, spritz generously with alcohol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right now, it's in the oven, which was brought up to about 150°F, then turned off with the light left on. I'll leave it in there for a few hours. We shall see.&nbsp;</div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-6173632866328547632018-01-28T17:04:00.004-08:002018-01-28T17:04:51.823-08:00Dancing In The RainThis morning, I unmolded and cut the Dancing in the Rain soap. I probably should have waited until later in the day (the soap was on the soft side) but I was eager to see how it had turned out. It wasn't how I was hoping it would be but it's definitely acceptable.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpSd81_avNc/Wm5uIoyjQ9I/AAAAAAAADGw/nBBhreAOWv48jJi1Le2M7LgclbVmySdtACLcBGAs/s1600/Dancing%2Bin%2Bthe%2BRain_cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpSd81_avNc/Wm5uIoyjQ9I/AAAAAAAADGw/nBBhreAOWv48jJi1Le2M7LgclbVmySdtACLcBGAs/s320/Dancing%2Bin%2Bthe%2BRain_cut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I'm thinking now that it might have been better in a slab mold and cut horizontally rather than in a loaf mold and cut vertically. I'll try that another time. As an aside, I've made a list of techniques I'd like to try. The dancing funnel pour is back on that list.<br /><br />I also trimmed the rimmed soap; I used some of the soap dough to make the rim, got that fitted into two cavities of a silicone mold and filled them with leftover soap from the Rain soap. I'm pleased with the result. I have a feeling some of the colour (especially the red) may bleed. It's pretty intense. We shall see.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-Tg48YnpuI/Wm5uK8XimiI/AAAAAAAADG8/OJ4dyglseqMCUe5cZzFg7vdzhNv6d7oGwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Rimmed%2BSoap_trimmed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-Tg48YnpuI/Wm5uK8XimiI/AAAAAAAADG8/OJ4dyglseqMCUe5cZzFg7vdzhNv6d7oGwCEwYBhgL/s320/Rimmed%2BSoap_trimmed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This afternoon, I planned out and made another batch of soap. It didn't go exactly as planned, to say the least.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bought a texture mat at the Bulk Barn today and cut it up to use in my soap mold. The intention was to colour a bit of the soap batter and coat the mat before pouring in the rest of the soap batter. My batter went from fluid to thick trace in, literally, seconds! It went so fast I almost didn't have time to get the scent into it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's definitely not the prettiest soap I've ever made but it does smell good. It's scented with lavender, patchouli, and jasmine.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iv54re8UH6E/Wm5yuqoj_0I/AAAAAAAADHE/CB7Xvh4NzUgCCRoMNwrVu2DNjnavdo6bACLcBGAs/s1600/QuickTrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iv54re8UH6E/Wm5yuqoj_0I/AAAAAAAADHE/CB7Xvh4NzUgCCRoMNwrVu2DNjnavdo6bACLcBGAs/s320/QuickTrace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The soap should be a good one; it's made with tallow and lard, along with palm kernel oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil. Any soap made with lard and tallow is bound to be a nice soap so, even though it isn't pretty, I'm still content. Besides any day with time spent making soap is a good day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-89476694293457889532018-01-27T16:07:00.001-08:002018-01-27T16:07:47.976-08:00In My Happy PlaceI am having so much fun! I've been researching techniques, watching soap making videos, reading about soap and, today, making soap. One technique that has me intrigued is the Dancing Funnel Swirl. It isn't really a swirl but it is, definitely a technique. It, also, doesn't use a funnel; it uses squeeze bottles.<br /><br />To make it, you pour your soap batter into separate squeeze bottles for each colour. Soap batter is dropped into your mold, first drops of one colour then, on the drops of the first colour, the second colour is dropped. (Gee, that sentence sounds awkward, doesn't it?) If you Google it, you'll see some amazing examples. Go, Google it!<br /><br />Ok, just to be nice, here's a video I watched a few times before even thinking about trying this technique. She made hers in a slab mold; mine is in a loaf mold but the technique is the same. It's simple but, oh. so cool looking!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ggl6IqQr134/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ggl6IqQr134?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br /><br />I tried it today using two colours, white and ultramarine pink, using the same recipe I used for the Ice Queen (so not blue)/Rose Quartz soap. At the moment it's in the oven, gelling. I don't normally gel my cold process soaps but, in this case, I want the colour to pop as much as possible. As well, I purposely made a larger batch than I knew I'd need so I would have a little extra for experimentation.<br /><br />Speaking of the Rose Quartz soap, I need to come up with another name for it. The pink has completely disappeared and the soap is now a beautiful pale lavender. When I told Kristen I was thinking of calling it Lavender (or Mauve) Quartz, she immediately replied, "Oh, you mean Amethyst?" Um, yeah. I'm hesitant to call it anything but pretty right now. Who knows whether the colour will morph even more? We shall wait and see.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJCduh01goE/Wm0RWJABb0I/AAAAAAAADGc/FLGcRvEjSogKJ41cgZhxbY4oxqMCjWi3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/NotPinkQuartz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJCduh01goE/Wm0RWJABb0I/AAAAAAAADGc/FLGcRvEjSogKJ41cgZhxbY4oxqMCjWi3ACEwYBhgL/s320/NotPinkQuartz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />A few weeks ago, I made soap dough in preparation for February's challenge on the Soapmaking Forum. Last weekend, I put together a cane of soap with the intention of using it to "wrap" soap, also called Rimmed Soap.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4Tqr9yEhwI/Wm0OpEVKS8I/AAAAAAAADGE/xPE0l5MuINsYukOShd41GBVtjtsxRvEhwCLcBGAs/s1600/Rimmed%2Bsoap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4Tqr9yEhwI/Wm0OpEVKS8I/AAAAAAAADGE/xPE0l5MuINsYukOShd41GBVtjtsxRvEhwCLcBGAs/s320/Rimmed%2Bsoap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This was just an experiment so there are only two bars; I'll unmold them tomorrow. The center (pink) soap, which was also used in the dancing funnel soap, is scented with <a href="http://www.voyageursoapandcandle.com/Rain_Fragrant_Oil_p/10345.htm" target="_blank">Rain from Voyageur Soap &amp; Candle</a>. I wasn't too sure about this scent; it's very strong in the bottle and the one time I did use it in soap, I didn't like it. Again, it was too strong. This time, I only used one teaspoon in a one kilo (oil weight) batch of soap. I'm liking it much better now. Obviously, with this fragrance oil, less is more.<br /><br />Because it's a little slow at work right now (finally), I was able to take Thursday afternoon off to make my Salt Soap, something I've been wanting to do for a couple of weeks. After giving Kristen an entire batch of these bars for her birthday, I was left with only one bar in reserve. That is NOT enough!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NmJCbA1Sp8/Wm0RWeEbMII/AAAAAAAADGY/OtUV1ZfzU7Ik75EPHsAR36S96Yoew5NYgCLcBGAs/s1600/Salt%2Bbars_curing%2B01_25_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NmJCbA1Sp8/Wm0RWeEbMII/AAAAAAAADGY/OtUV1ZfzU7Ik75EPHsAR36S96Yoew5NYgCLcBGAs/s320/Salt%2Bbars_curing%2B01_25_18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This should see me through the year nicely, once it's fully cured. The only downside to this soap is that the longer it cures, the better it is. The upside to this soap is that the longer it cures, the better it is. Ideally, I should put it away for the next six months to a year. Truly, this is a wonderful soap; it smells amazing (equal parts lavender, peppermint, and rosemary) and the lather is thick, creamy and gentle. I even use it for shaving my legs because the lather is that thick. And, it doesn't dry out my skin.&nbsp;</div><br />Tomorrow, I'll post pictures of the Dancing Funnel soap. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turned out. Stay tuned!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-9308932908334069152018-01-21T14:27:00.000-08:002018-01-21T14:27:55.414-08:00Well, That Was InterestingThis last batch of soap, the one I'm calling Rose Quartz, has definitely been interesting and a real learning experience. Don't get me wrong, the soap is amazing. If I do say so myself, it's beautiful and it smells amazing.<br /><br />The learning part comes in when it comes to the colouring. As I wrote yesterday, I used FD&amp;C blue; it morphed into pink. At least, it's pink on the outside. This morning, I cut it and received another surprise.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMvf2ifYL2s/WmUQL2qPUwI/AAAAAAAADF0/EClCIZwzznQPJ_jJTmTi7aSsJ1sCkw_BACLcBGAs/s1600/Rose%2BQuartz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMvf2ifYL2s/WmUQL2qPUwI/AAAAAAAADF0/EClCIZwzznQPJ_jJTmTi7aSsJ1sCkw_BACLcBGAs/s320/Rose%2BQuartz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's mauve! (See that gorgeous swirl? That makes me happy!) Some commenters on the SoapMaking forum have said it might not be finished morphing yet so it will be interesting to see what happens over the next six weeks or so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As for lessons, I've learned that if I want a pretty mauve, I can use the FD&amp;C blue. One poster on SMF said she uses this particular blue to make a royal purple colour.&nbsp; Another one suggested having a jar with pre-mixed lye water handy and using a sample cup of lye solution to test your colourant to see whether it will morph and if so, how it will change. What a great suggestion!&nbsp;</div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-40369582504907199502018-01-20T17:53:00.001-08:002018-01-20T17:53:40.318-08:00Things Don't Always Go As PlannedLast week's soaps are out of the mold, cut, and curing. I was very pleased with both batches that I made. Yes, I made two batches last week. In addition to the no coconut, whipping cream soap, I also made a batch of one of our perennial favourites, Java Jumpstart.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Pzj0Id3m4/WmPtLC9CxwI/AAAAAAAADFM/eXmngeYmEZoF4y5oA84JABFJn99fwt4FACLcBGAs/s1600/JJS2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Pzj0Id3m4/WmPtLC9CxwI/AAAAAAAADFM/eXmngeYmEZoF4y5oA84JABFJn99fwt4FACLcBGAs/s320/JJS2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of all the times I've made the Java Jumpstart, I think I'm most happy with this particular batch. I think I've got the ratio better this time than I have in the past. Normally, I've used close to half and half for the plain section vs the coloured section. This time, it was more like 2/3:1/3. I could go even less for the coffee section, I think.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lGIirHQ4LY/WmPtPpdv-SI/AAAAAAAADFQ/vdv3GB_vjYoEd-IhXFYAxphJytNukXEngCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lGIirHQ4LY/WmPtPpdv-SI/AAAAAAAADFQ/vdv3GB_vjYoEd-IhXFYAxphJytNukXEngCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here is the perfectly named, Alabaster Cream soap, made with whipping cream as one of the oils. Thanks go out to one of my long distance friends, Shirley, for the name. It's absolutely perfect and, as a thank you, I'll be sending her a bar once the soap has finished curing.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All day yesterday and this morning, a soap inspiration was swirling around in my mind. I even had a name picked out, Ice Queen. I was envisioning a pale blue soap, with white swirls twining through the blue, topped with swirls of white and blue and highlighted with blue-dyed rock salt and opalescent glitter. I planned out the soap recipe, using a tried and true blend of oils that included coconut oil, olive oil, lard and tallow, the scent (once again, lemongrass, lavender, and peppermint... so fresh and cool), the colours. And I made my soap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Except, it didn't quite turn out as planned.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxVdYLhmGRo/WmPwCUTtjJI/AAAAAAAADFc/EcZ3hee5sIMLPUHPIHg4avuEtQhfl2ZGACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxVdYLhmGRo/WmPwCUTtjJI/AAAAAAAADFc/EcZ3hee5sIMLPUHPIHg4avuEtQhfl2ZGACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Um, yeah, the blue turned pink! I really couldn't use the pretty blue salt I'd prepared; it really just would not look right, you know? After some quick thinking, I dug out the bag of pink Himalayan rock salt I had tucked away for use in bath teas and sprinkled some on top of the soap. The glitter gave it a sparkly finish. Even though I'm a little disappointed that it didn't quite turn out the way I expected it to, I'm still very happy with how this soap turned out.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plus, it gives me an excuse to try again.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8r9q_WLUDKw/WmPwqMFX-GI/AAAAAAAADFk/MtdnlDDHJ9ctEfIbzIxnh22RqHRadTZ9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IceQueen%2Bsalt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8r9q_WLUDKw/WmPwqMFX-GI/AAAAAAAADFk/MtdnlDDHJ9ctEfIbzIxnh22RqHRadTZ9wCLcBGAs/s320/IceQueen%2Bsalt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312848082379111146.post-6863329130463770002018-01-13T15:05:00.001-08:002018-01-13T15:05:58.337-08:00What To Do With Leftover Whipping CreamIn looking at my soaping supplies, I realized (well, I already knew) that I was really low on coconut oil. I didn't want to run out just to pick up another kilo of it so I started looking around to see what I still have. I have palm oil, and palm kernel oil, plenty of both to do a few batches. I still have olive oil, beef tallow, and castor oil. Then, I realized that I still have almost a full quart of whipping/heavy cream in the fridge that needs to be used up soon or it will go to waste.<br /><br />Time for some SoapCalc one on one. I came up with a recipe that has numbers that look good, using all the oils mentioned above, as well as whipping cream.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ92cD-5xSA/WlqPJCWM5eI/AAAAAAAADFA/G4hLAQb-IaoJh066QXIyPu5z3ENHYoeVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/NoCoco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="433" height="121" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ92cD-5xSA/WlqPJCWM5eI/AAAAAAAADFA/G4hLAQb-IaoJh066QXIyPu5z3ENHYoeVQCEwYBhgL/s320/NoCoco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I thought about how it would look and decided that, because whipped cream is a lovely creamy white, my soap would be white on white. I figured I would do a lighter white (brightened with titanium dioxide) hanger swirl and use some to help decorate the top, and I would sprinkle it with a very light dusting of an opalescent glitter, just to add a touch of glitz.<br /><br />For scent, I scoured a web site I joined recently, <a href="https://www.diffuserblends.com/index-web.php?my=&amp;filter=all&amp;sort=calm" target="_blank">Diffuser Blends</a>, for a scent that inspired me and came up with one using lemongrass, lavender, and peppermint. I was ready to begin!<br /><br />I'm really pleased with the way this one came out. It was somewhat slow to trace but that's not always a bad thing, especially if you want to do a swirl. It smells amazing and I love how it's looking so far. I have it resting outside (just above freezing here) because I don't want it to overheat.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwQ0MbCTy8I/WlqPE9jPzgI/AAAAAAAADE0/N68lctFmzNsunVQb8BBMlMCNx-dF3kPWACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwQ0MbCTy8I/WlqPE9jPzgI/AAAAAAAADE0/N68lctFmzNsunVQb8BBMlMCNx-dF3kPWACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll cut it tomorrow and post a picture of the inside. I'm hoping it turns out as well as I think it will. In the meantime, I've also been playing with a bit of the soap dough I made last weekend. This is a first attempt.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-we5vgGjd0go/WlqPG29vLpI/AAAAAAAADE4/Lyr9aNeoFp8v-qhNAOH-tVR_2vWOhenuwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-we5vgGjd0go/WlqPG29vLpI/AAAAAAAADE4/Lyr9aNeoFp8v-qhNAOH-tVR_2vWOhenuwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN1516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It isn't the greatest, I know, but it is an attempt at least. The dough is still on the "wet" side. I think it could do with a little bit of open air time, just to firm it up slightly. For this attempt, I used a Wilton petal cutter. It has 4 petals in a row and the idea is to cut out two strips, lay them on top of each other, slightly offset and then roll them up. The soap dough didn't stick to each other and one strip slid a bit. For a first attempt, though, I'm not disappointed. I'll probably use it on top of a bar, possibly even make a batch called "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden", studded with a bunch of roses on the top, and then scent it with something completely different, completely unrelated to roses.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Evhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01501618956512192201noreply@blogger.com0